Modular aircraft window with a dual shade

ABSTRACT

A vehicle window having a curved inner lens, a rectangular frame with frame members and a shade. The shade is a dual shade having a first fabric member and a second fabric member with a removable shade rail between the first and second fabric member. There also is a movable shade rail at the end of the second shade material. Cables attach to each end of the removable shade rails and through to separate handles. Moving the first handle will move the first moveable shade rail and the first fabric member up and down and moving the second handle will move the second moveable shade rail and the second fabric up and down. The fabric members have different light transmissive characteristics, one being more opaque then the other.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

Modular windows for vehicles, more specifically a modular window for anaircraft, the modular window having a dual shade.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Modular windows for aircraft typically include a shade material whichhas uniform light transmissive capabilities. For example, a modularaircraft window may have a window shade made of a material that isalmost opaque. Therefore, when the window shade is down, almost no lightwill enter the cabin of the aircraft from the outside. Sometimes this isdesired, as, for example, when the passengers wish to view an in-flightmovie. On the other hand, if the passengers desire some but not fulllight, they can take such an opaque window shade and move it to aposition between fully opened (letting all the light come through thewindow) and fully closed (blocking light). Such a situation is sometimessatisfactory. However, harsh shadows can be created in such partiallyopened condition. Occasionally, a translucent shade material better fitsthe needs of the occupants of the aircraft. With such a translucentshade material, the shade, when in a fully down or closed position willallow some light to pass through and will diffuse the light, and thusilluminate the interior of the aircraft with natural light that issoftened and whose intensity is lessened.

However, ideally, since lighting requirements for the interior of theaircraft cabin will vary, utility is realized in providing an aircraftwindow with a dual fabric system, the two fabrics of the shade havingdifferent properties, for example one of the two fabrics may be morelight transmissive than the other (for example, sheer and opaque).

Applicant's present invention realizes such utility in providing anaircraft window that uses two fabric panels, one located between astationary top rail and removable centered rail and the second locatedbetween the centered rail and the moveable bottom rail. With each of thetwo moveable rails independently operated by the aircrafts occupant, theoccupant may readily provide for the aircrafts lighting needs. This isespecially so when one of the two fabrics is more light transmissivethan the other. For the sake of illustration, one fabric may be sheerand the other opaque, providing the occupant with a choice of eitherfabric or, a combination of the two fabrics to more efficiently meet hisneeds.

Further utility lies in providing the window in modular form. Modularform means that the elements of the window (frame, shade, shade controlmechanism, etc.) Are constructed into a single unit, which is theninstalled into an aircraft either when the aircraft is built orsubsequently, when the aircraft is modified.

Still further utility lies in providing the modular window with at leastan inner pave or lens. This will allow the installed window to isolatethe shade between a pair of lenses. This helps keep the shade clean,helps insulate the aircraft interior from heat and noise and is found bysome to have aesthetically pleasing qualities.

All of these advantages must be realized while providing for a windowthat, when viewed from the side, must be narrow (aircraft cabin space isexpensive) and curved to match the curves of the aircraft interior andfuselage. Providing the curve to the frame and shade raises problems notencounted in, buildings designing windows for such as homes.

One such problem a curved design present is in rasing and lowering theshade. A vertically hung shade can use the force of gravity to allow itto fall vertically. To follow a curved path, the shade must bepositively guided and the force of gravity may not provide for a smoothmovement of the shade. Therefore a shade movement system imparteddownward force to the shade, which must maintain the shade in properalignment as it moves.

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

It is the object of the present invention to provide for a modularaircraft window having a curved frame which more effectively meets thelighting requirements for the cabin of the aircraft interior.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

This and other objects are provided for in a modular aircraft windowwith a curved frame having a manually operated shade, the shadecomprised of two fabric panels independently operated so the aircraftoccupant may selectively locate the first panel over none, some or allof the aircraft window, or the second panel over all, some or none ofthe aircraft window or, in fact the occupant may cover all or some ofthe window partially with the first fabric panel and partially with asecond fabric panel.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1 and 1A are front elevational and top elevational viewsrespectively of the invention.

FIG. 2 is a side elevational view of the invention.

FIGS. 3A, 3B, 3C, 3D, 3E, 3F, 3G and 3H are all elevational views ofvarious details of Applicant's present invention, including the detailsof the manner in which strings or cords are used to move the shade railsup and down and the system of cords or strings that allow themaintenance of the shade rails in their parallel alignment.

FIGS. 4A, 4B, 4C and 4D present elevational views and FIG. 4E anisomatric view of the handles for use with the invention, to raise andlower the shade rails.

FIG. 5 illustrates details of the shade rail ends of Applicant's presentinvention including structure associated therewith.

FIG. 6 and 6A illustrate details of the lower left-hand and right-handcorners of Applicant's invention.

FIGS. 7A and 7B illustrate a pulley assembly that may be used with theinvention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

FIGS 1, 1A, 2, 3A and 3F illustrate some of the major components ofApplicant's unique modular, dual shade aircraft window. Morespecifically, these figures illustrate a modular aircraft window 10. Theaircraft window is seen to comprise of a generally rectangular frame 12,typically made of aluminum or other suitable material. The frametypically includes a straight upper member 12A, a straight lower member12B, dimensioned similarly to the upper member, and two side members 12Cand 12D, the side members being curved when the vehicle window is viewedfrom the side (see FIG. 2). When viewed from the front or rear the framedefines a rectangle. The four members of the frame are typicallyattached to one another through the use of four corner braces 12E. Theframe members typically define, in cross-section, at least particularlya channel shape with the arms of the corner braces sitting within thechannels (see FIGS. 1 and 2).

An inner lens 14, typically transparent plastic or Lexan®, is secured tothe inner perimeter of the frame and typically a decorative mask 16 isprovided adjacent the frame members to help mask some of the mechanicalcomponents that are located near the inner edges of the frame members,as set forth in more detailed below. Optionally, mask 16 is providedwith abrasion tape 15 on the inner surface thereof so that some of themoving mechanical components that operate by sliding up and down alongthe interior of the window shade do not scratch the mask. Here it isunderstood that the inner lens is the lens that faces the cabin of theaircraft and prevents dust and other debris from accumulating on theshade material of the aircraft window. Further, by providing an innerlens noise and heat transmission between the exterior and interior ofthe cabin is also attenuated.

Applicant's aircraft window 10 may also be provided with a reveal 18such as one made out of plastic, composite or fiberglass. The revealpartially to shroud and protect the window shade and may include anouter lens 19 or may be simply left opened and shaped to be placedadjacent or against the exterior aircraft window. The effect of usingthe outer and inner lens (or placing the reveal against the outer windowof the aircraft) is to seal the shade between an inner lens and an outerlens to prevent dust and dirt accumulation thereon and to help minimizethe transmission of sound and heat between the exterior and interior ofthe aircraft.

Turning now to shade 20, it is seen, especially with reference to FIG.1, that the shade is comprised of a first fabric member 22 and a secondmember 24. Further, the first fabric member has a top edge 22A, a bottomedge 22B and a pair of side edges 22C and 22D. Likewise, the secondfabric member 24 includes a top edge 24A, a bottom edge 24B, and a pairof side edges 24C and 24D. Both fabric members are seen to define,typically, a generally rectangular shape. Typically, they may be pleatedhoneycomb or tubular in cross-section. Preferably they are eitherpleated or honeycomb. Typically, the two fabric members have differentproperties and more typically have to different light transmissiveproperties, one of the two shade members allowing light to pass throughmore easily than the second of the two fabric members.

It is also apparent with reference to the illustrations, especially FIG.1, that between the bottom edge of the first fabric member and the topedge of the second fabric member is located a first moveable(intermediate) shade rail 26 that, in cross-section may be “H” shaped(see FIG. 5). At the bottom edge 24B of the second fabric member 24 islocated a second moveable (end) shade rail which may be chair shape incross-section (see FIG. 5). A third (fixed) shade rail 30 is locatedadjacent upper member 12A of the frame and has attached thereto top edge22A of the first fabric member. The third shade rail 30 may itself bemounted to an elongated tubular, typically aluminum, mounting member 31that is attached to and engaged adjacent the lower edge of the upperframe member. Also, mounting. member 31 may have attached thereto achannel section member 31A. The further function uses of these mountingmembers will be set forth in more detailed below.

With further reference to FIGS. 1, 1A, 2, 3A-D and 4E Applicants providea first shade rail control mechanism, the function of which is toselectively position the first shade rail, and therefore position theshade with respect to the frame and inner lens, so as to control, forexample, the amount of light entering the interior of the aircraft fromthe exterior. The first shade rail control mechanism is seen to comprisea first cable loop 32, the loop typically entrained adjacent therectangular frame on corner mounted first cable corner pulleys 34A, 34B,34C and 34D. The loop is attached to one end of the first moveable shaderail-here, for example, the left end as viewed in FIG. 1. Attached tothe first cable loop, typically along a section of the first cable thatruns adjacent to upper frame member 12A is located a moveable handle 36.Preferably, the handle is mounted to the first cable loop through theuse of a turn buckle 38. Movement of the handle will cause movement ofthe first shade rail to move up and down. Here it is noted that firstcable loop 32 is rigidly attached to the left end of first shade rail 26so that when the handle moves longitudinally across the upper member ofthe frame, the first shade rail 26 will move up and down. Furthermore,it may be appreciated with reference for figures, for example, FIG. 1and FIG. 4E, that rotating a barrel of the turn buckle 39 will tightenor loosen the first cable loop. It is noted here that the first cableloop is not attached to either of the other two shade rails, and thatmovement of the first cable loop moves only the first shade rail, unlessthe first shade rail physically compresses against the second shade rail(for example, with reference to FIG. 1, when the first shade rail ismoved down).

Applicant provides a second shade rail control mechanism independent ofthe first shade rail control mechanism but similar thereto. The secondshade rail control mechanism is comprised of a second cable loop 40entrained around four corner mounted second cable corner pulleys 42A,42B, 42C and 42D. Attached to the second cable loop 40 is a handle 44,typically moveably attached adjacent upper frame member 12A and designedso that it my slide past or nest with the handle 36 of the first shaderail control mechanism. Turn buckle 46 may be used to engage handle 44to second cable loop 40 thus providing a means to adjust the tension insecond cable loop 40 as it is entrained around the perimeter of theframe of the vehicle window. That is, second cable loop 40 is attachedto, typically, one end of second moveable shade rail 28 such that whenhandle 44 is moved second shade rail 28 will move up and down (betweenan open and a closed position) as set forth in FIG. 1. Further, it canbe appreciated that second shade rail mechanism operates independentlyof the first shade rail control mechanism (unless when the first shaderail is being moved up as set forth in FIG. 1 it strikes the bottom ofthe first shade rail 26 as seen in FIG. 1).

Applicants vehicle window is preferably provided with means to maintaina parallel alignment between the shade rails and the upper end lowerframe members such that they are horizontally aligned as illustrated inFIG. 1. Because, typically, Applicants shade rail control mechanismoperates by attaching to one end of their respective shade rails, ashade rail alignment system is preferred. Applicants provide a firstshade rail alignment system and a second shade rail alignment system forproper alignment of the first and second shade rails with respect toeach other and to the frame and so they do not get caught at an anglewhile being raised or lowered.

FIGS. 1, 3E and 3H illustrate the components of Applicants first shaderail alignment mechanism including a first cord 48 having a first end48A and second end 48B and a second cord 50 having a first end 50A and asecond end 50B. The first shade rail alignment mechanism also includesthe first and second cord tie off points 51 and shade rail pulleys here,four illustrated as 52A, 52B, 52C and 52D, as well as a pair ofadjustable tie off lock plates 53.

In FIGS. 3E and FIG. 1 it is seen that the first cord 48 is tied off atfirst end 48A to adjustable lock plate 53, typically located incooperative engagement with lower frame member 12B along the lower lefthand portion of FIG. 3E. Cord 54 passes through hole 74 (see FIG. 6) inthe lower frame member and is directed upward along the inner edge ofleft side member 12C until it reaches shade rail pulley 52A located atthe left end of shade rail 26, where it undergoes a change of directionof approximately 90° and then runs across the first moveable shademember.

Until it reaches pulley 52D (see FIG. 1). Here it turn 90° to go throughthe shade rail and shade panel 22 until being tied off at second end 48Bto tie off point 51.

Turn for a moment to second cord 50 and it is seen that, like first cord48, second cord 50 is tied off at first end 50A to adjustable lock plate53 and passes through the lower right hand corner of the lower framemember at hole 74, is directed from there vertically upward adjacent theinner edge of the right side frame member 12C. When it reaches shaderail pulley 52C, it undergoes an approximate 90° change in direction andis directed across shade rail 26 until it reaches shade rail pulley 52B.Here it is directed upward through the pleats of shade 22 (so as to beinvisible from the interior of the aircraft) until it is tied off atremoved end 50B at tie off point 51. This tie off point is typicallylocated along generally L shaped stationary third shade rail 30. It isnoted here that first shade rail alignment system does not engage thesecond moveable frame rail nor does the first cord 48 engage second cord50. Furthermore, both cords may have the tension in the cord adjustableat adjustable lock plates 53. These plates comprise a screw 53A and twoplate members. When the screw is loosened the plates 53B and 53C mayslide along the inner channel of the lower frame member and when thedesired tension is reached, the screw can be rotated to cause the platemembers to press against the inner lips and leg of the channel (see FIG.6A).

The second shade rail is also provided with a rail alignment mechanism,as best viewed in FIGS. 1, 3A and 3B, 3C, 3D, and 3E. The second shaderail alignment mechanism is seen to comprise a first cord 54 with thefirst end 54A and 54B and a second cord 58 with a first end 58A and asecond end 58B. The first and second cords are tied off at lock plates62 typically located in the lower left and lower right hand cornersrespectively of the frame members. Like the first cord and second cordof the first shade rail alignment mechanism 48 and 50, the first andsecond cords of the second shade rail alignment system pass through hole74 in the two opposed corners of the lower frame member are typicallydirected upward generally inline with the cords of the first shade railalignment system until the two cords respectively meet the second shaderail pulleys 60A and 60B located adjacent the two removed ends of secondshade rail 28 as set forth in FIGS. 3D and 3G. Near the outer ends ofthe shade rail 28 are holes 59 which allow the two cords to be directedupwards through the pleats (so as not to be seen from the interior ofthe cabin) upward through or past the first shade rail, to attachtypically to the third, stationary shade rail 30 at the two tie offpoints 56 located in the upper right hand and upper left hand corners ofthe frame.

It is noted that there are some differences in the structure of the twoshade rail alignments systems but both shade rail alignment systemsprovide for maintenance of the parallel alignment of the two shade railsand hide from view the mechanical components and cords thereof. Someshades are known to have cords that lay across the window or otherarchitectural opening when the shade systems are raised. Although thesecords do not block much light, they are aesthetically less desirablethen those shade systems that provide a clear view.

FIGS. 4A through 4E provide details of Applicants handles and how theyengage and cooperate with the top frame member and associated structureto allow the handles to slide parallel with the top member to smoothlymove the two moveable shade rails between an opened and closed position.First, and here with reference to FIG. 1, it may be appreciated thathandle 36 is designed to slide in channel section 31A which is mountedto mounting member 31 and handle 44 is designed to slide within thechannel portion of upper frame member 12A. Further, and with referenceto FIGS. 4A through 4D is seen that the handles can slide so they may bepositioned next to one another. Note that, preferably, the two cableloops are attached to their respective shade rails and their handlessuch that the two handles “nest” together (see FIG. 4A) when the twomoveable shade rails are as closed together as the compressed shapepanel 24 will allow. This is best appreciated with reference to FIG. 4Aand FIG. 1.

Handles 36 and 44 are seen to be similar but not identically shaped.Both handles have base plates 36A and 44A respectively, the base plateshaving sliders, typically a pair or sliders 36B and 44B attached theretofor engagement with the channel section of the upper frame member 12Aand 36B channel section 31A (44B). The base plates of each of thehandles are seen to be attached, along their upper edge, to arm portions36C and 44C respectively. It is seen that the arm portions are shaped sothat nobs 36D and 44D, attached to the removed ends of arms 36C and 46Crespectively, may be attached to nobs (typically cylindrical) which canalign in the attractive configuration illustrated in FIG. 4A.

Turning now to the details of the sliders (see FIG. 4A), it is seen thatboth base plates have sliders 44B attached thereto, which sliders may bemade of, typically, nylon. These are attached typically with a pair ofspacer disks 68 on axles or standoffs 66 which are affixed via athreaded bore and screws 64 to base 44A of handle 44. On the other hand,base plate 36A of handle 36 has a spacer plate 70 (rather than disks)which will space the handle so that it may pass or at least nest withhandle 44 (see FIG. 4A). Sliders 44B are mounted to spacer plate onaxles 66 and screws adjacent the inner face of spacer plate. Withreference to FIG. 1 and FIG. 3 it is seen that spacer plate 70 may havean outwardly projecting turn buckle mounting stub 70A and a first cableloop mounting stub 70B attached thereto.

It is noted here that we refer to the first and second cable 32 and 40respectively as loops, but this phrase also refers to the handleportion, as part of the loop. Indeed, the ends of the loop may be tiedoff at the turn buckles and handles or spacer plate. Thus the term loopis not specifically defined as just a single continuously entrainedcord, but one that may be tied off at various points, but that when onportion moves, so does the other.

FIGS. 1, 2 and 5 provide additional details of the two moveable shaderails, especially the end portions thereof. Turning now to FIG. 5 it isnoted that the cross-section of movable shade rail 26 is “H” shaped, the“H” laying sideways. The cross-section of first removable shade rail 26is seen to have a top plate 26A, a bottom plate 26B and a cross plate26C. A pair of cord slots 26D are cut into the outboard sections of thetop and bottom plate to allow the passage and affixing, via cord gripperplate 72 of first cable loop 32 thereto.

Second shade rail 28 is seen to be generally “chair” shaped, with chairlaying on its side, the chair shaped shade rail (in cross-section)having a back 28A, a base 28B and leg 28C. Slots 76 may be providedtherein for the passage of first cable loop 32 there through in such amanner that it does not interfere with second shade rail 28. Further,slots may be used to engage second cable loop 40 through the use of acord gripper plate 72 which, in cooperation with the cord gripper platescrew can compress the cable loops against the cross plate 26C and base28B of the two shade rails respectively when the screw is tighten tothread the inner face of the gripper plate against the underside(outward side) of the cross plate and base respectively.

FIGS. 6 and 6A illustrate details of the lower left and lower rightcorners of the lower frame member 12B. More specifically, with referenceto FIG. 6 the channel shape of the cross section of the frame member maybe appreciated. That is, on one side of the channel, here the right sideis illustrated in FIG. 6 may be located two (per corner) adjustable lockplates. The plate portion of the lock plates is designed to slide withinthe channel section of the lower frame member to adjustably set tensionfor the cords of the first and second shade rail alignment mechanisms.On the other hand, the under side of the channel section of the lowerframe member (left side is seen FIG. 6) may be used to mount on screws64 or otherwise, the two corner pulleys of the two shade rail controlmechanism, here corner pulleys 34D and 42D.

Reveal 18 may be provided with a vent 76 for passage of gastherethrough. Further, air frame mounting means 78 such as mountingstubs or mounting portion for mounting the vehicle window 10 to theaircraft. Likewise, channel mounted blind nuts 80 may be provided forattaching the reveal to the frame (see FIG. 1).

FIGS. 7A and 7B illustrate a pulley assembly 100 that may be used withthe invention. The pulley assembly is designed to help prevent cord,cable or string that wind around it from falling off a wheel 102therein. Wheel 102 is seen to ride on axle halves 106A and 106B whichjoin together through holes 105A and 105B in a housing 104. The housingincludes a base plate 104A and top plate 104B. These two plates areconnection by member 104E. They pull over and join along legs 104D toform the rectanglar housing illustrated in FIG. 7B. When Applicant'spulley assembly 100 is used (anywhere a pulley is called for) it iseasier to maintain the cord wrapped around wheel 102.

Although the invention has been described with reference to specificembodiments, this description is not meant to be construed in a limitedsense. Various modifications of the disclosed embodiments, as well asalternative embodiments of the inventions will become apparent topersons skilled in the art upon the reference to the description of theinvention. It is, therefore, contemplated that the appended claims willcover such modifications that fall within the scope of the invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. In a vehicle window for a vehicle having aninterior compartment, a window having: a curved inner lens; a generallyrectangular frame having frame members including curved, side rails forjoining the inner lens thereto; a shade for interference with thepassage of light through the inner lens, the shade comprising a firstfabric member with a first and a second edge, and a second fabric memberwith a first and a second edge, the first edge of the first fabricmember for engagement with a frame member of the frame members of therectangular frame; a first moveable shade rail for engagement with thefirst edge of the second member and the second edge of the first memberof the shade thereto; and means cooperating with the first moveableshade rail to manually control the shade such that the shade movesadjacent the curved inner lens and such that the first fabric member mayselectively cover all, some or none of the curved inner lens and thesecond fabric member may selectively cover all, some or none of theinner lens; a second moveable shade rail for engagement with the secondedge of the second member; means to maintain alignment of the firstmoveable shade rail; means to maintain alignment of the second moveableshade rail.
 2. The vehicle window of claim 1 wherein the means tomanually control the shade includes a first cable loop mounted adjacentthe frame members and attached to the first moveable shade rail andfurther including: a first handle attached to the first cable loop,wherein the first handle is slidably mounted adjacent the frame suchthat the movement of the handle will raise or lower the first moveableshade rail.
 3. The vehicle window of claim 2 wherein the means tomanually control the shade includes; a second cable loop mountedadjacent the frame members and attached to the second moveable shaderail; and further including: a second handle attached to the secondcable loop wherein the second handle is slidably mounted adjacent theframe such that movement of the handle will raise or lower the secondmoveable shade rail.
 4. The vehicle window of claim 1 further includinga reveal.
 5. The vehicle window of claim 1 further including an outerlens.
 6. The vehicle window of claim 3 further including pulleys toentrain the two cable loops.
 7. The vehicle window of claim 4 furtherincluding an outer lens engaged with the reveal.
 8. The vehicle windowof claim 1 wherein the shade material of the first fabric member differsin light transmissive properties from the second fabric member.
 9. Thevehicle window of claim 8 wherein the shade material is tubular.
 10. Thevehicle window of claim 8 wherein the shade material is pleated.
 11. Thevehicle window of claim 1 wherein the inner lens includes a decorativemask adjacent to the perimeter thereof.
 12. The vehicle window of claim1 wherein the two shade rails are “H” in cross section.
 13. The vehiclewindow of claim 2 wherein the first cable includes a turn buckle. 14.The vehicle window of claim 2 wherein the second cable includes a turnbuckle.
 15. The vehicle window of claim 1 wherein the means to maintainalignment of the first movable shade rail includes a pair of cords, eachcord of the pair engaging the frame, under tension, at the two endsthereof and engaging the first movable shade rail at opposite endsthereof, between the ends of the cord.
 16. The vehicle window of claim 1wherein the means to maintain alignment of the second movable shade railincludes a pair of cords, each cord of the pair engaging the frame,under tension, at the two ends thereof and engaging the second movableshade rail at opposite ends thereof, between the ends of the cord.